Even before the succession plan was announced, Hanneman's new contract proposed by Gianopulos and Snider would have seen him revert to president of international distribution.

Prior to Snider coming aboard as Fox film co-chairman in early 2015, Gianopulos plucked Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus from the international side to serve as co-chiefs of distribution and marketing. In August 2015, Jegeus transitioned into a new job as president of Fox international productions. And more recently, Hanneman's exec vp of international distribution, Craig Dehmel, decided to depart as of Sept. 1.

It remains to be seen whether Snider will opt to hire a new president of worldwide marketing and distribution, which has become standard practice at many Hollywood studios, or divide up domestic and international, or distribution and marketing.

Marc Weinstock is Fox's president of domestic marketing, reporting to Hanneman. The domestic distribution side is headed by Chris Aronson.

When the Murdoch brothers announced their succession plan for the studio in mid-June, 21st Century Fox said Gianopulos would remain on the Fox lot until his contract expires on June 30, 2017. However, there's widespread speculation he will leave sooner.